Covert Talks: UAE Facilitates Indirect Dialogue Between Israel and Syria

The UAE has secretly facilitated a backchannel dialogue between Israel and Syria to handle security concerns. These indirect communications, following Syrian President Ahmed Sharaa's UAE visit, focus on intelligence and security without involving official diplomatic relations. While the UAE denies mediating, the dialogue aims to ease ongoing tensions.

The United Arab Emirates has quietly established a backchannel for conversations between Israel and Syria, sources reveal. This initiative, undisclosed until now, focuses on security and intelligence amid rising hostilities between the nations, which lack formal diplomatic ties.

Conversations reportedly commenced following Syrian President Ahmed Sharaa's visit to the UAE in April. While Sharaa acknowledged the indirect negotiations intended to ease tensions, UAE officials firmly denied mediating these talks.

These developments unfold as Israel intensifies military actions in Syria. Despite official denials, backchannel discussions involve various intelligence officials, aiming to address counterterrorism concerns, excluding purely military operations.

(With inputs from agencies.)